Tips for Packing a Perfect Picnic (Without Sandwiches)

Picnics are a perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and some delicious food with family and friends. But what should you pack, how should you pack it, and where should you go? Here are some tips to help make your picnic a perfect one.

What to Pack

Sandwiches are great and easy to transport, but let’s face it, they can get pretty boring. Why not think outside of the picnic basket and try these delicious eats?

Check out this recipe which uses a vinaigrette rather than mayo — a perfecta picnic choice. Another reason why it’s not your typical potato salad? It has a yummy crunch from the apples and protein from the chickpeas.

Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Skewers

Nothing is easier to take on a picnic than kabobs. For a gourmet style snack that’s the perfect combination of salty and sweet, try these scrumptious skewers.

Strawberry Mint Lemonade

For an easy, yet fancy, summery drink, infuse a jug of lemonade with strawberries and mint. Pour in mason jars with lids for easy picnicking.

Baked apple pie roll ups

A summer meal doesn’t seem complete without apple pie, but these finger foods are more picnic-friendly than an entire pie.

How to Pack

If you don’t picnic often, you may feel overwhelmed with the thought of packing for a picnic. How will you keep the food fresh, shoo bugs away, and remember everything you need? Follow these tips to make your picnic a walk in the park!

While individual napkins can blow away easily, a roll of towels will stay put.

Stay dry

Pack a shower curtain to place under your picnic blanket to keep it dry.

Avoid spills

Take a small, lightweight tray to help avoid drink spills.

Keep food fresh

Use frozen water bottles instead of ice to keep food fresh. Then drink the water when it melts!

Where to Go

You don’t need to go someplace fancy to enjoy the outdoors. Your own backyard or a shady neighborhood tree are wonderful, easy choices for outdoor eating. But if you want a change of scenery (and some hiking opportunities), check out these nearby picnic spots.

Papago Park

Just a 15-minute drive from Aderra is Papago Park, known for its sandstone buttes and mild desert trails. It’s also home to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, should you care to visit one of these attractions before or after you eat.

Tempe Beach Park

Looking for a picnic in the city? Tempe Beach Park offers beautiful views, grills, biking trails, boating, and paddle boarding to make your picnic a memorable one. There are also often concerts and festivals to be enjoyed around the lake.

Cave Creek Regional Park

This park, located 1.5 miles north of Carefree Highway and 32nd Street, offers an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The Slate Trail is recommended for a relatively easy place to start exploring the park and its gorgeous views. The park’s beautiful wildflowers and quiet, secluded atmosphere make it a perfect spot for picnicking.

Now that you know the best tips for a perfect picnic, head outside and enjoy the sunshine!

At Aderra, we’re lucky to have so many great outdoor options available to us. To learn more about our upscale condominium community, get in touch with us today.